Above / Illuminated at dark in observance of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Moser Tower houses one of the largest musical instruments in the world. Named to honor a generous gift from Margaret and Harold Moser, the bell tower is located along the Naperville Riverwalk at 443 Aurora Avenue. (PN Photo)
From now through Nov. 12, 2025, a visit to the site of Moser Tower, standing 160 feet tall with its 72-bell carillon, just might bring back memories of a British literature course when the great works of poet John Donne (1572-1631) were presented and studied.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
by John Donne
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
Born in London, England, in 1572, Donne was among a group of 17th-century poets whose works are marked by “philosophical exploration, colloquial diction, ingenious conceits, irony and metrically flexible lines.” A staunch Catholic, Donne studied at both Oxford and Cambridge without ever receiving degrees from either university because he was not Protestant.
Donne’s topics of interest with unexpected displays of wit often included love, religion and morality for all humanity. For instance, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” addresses the nature of death and its connection among all human beings.
An online search supported poignant memories of studying works of John Donne as the foremost figure of many metaphysical poets. And there were contemporaries such as playwright and poet William Shakespeare and poet John Milton.
Moser Tower stands tall to toll every day
During a special remembrance at Moser Tower on Sept. 14, 2001, when the ‘Big Joe’ bell tolled alone to bring the community together after Sept. 11, 2001, many in attendance became mindful of the nature of death and the connection between all human beings.
The 2025 Healing Field of Honor, a display of 1,500 American flags, is set between the replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and Moser Tower. Visitors are invited to live the day, learn and observe Veterans Day with gratitude to all Veterans and their families for their patriotism, love of country, and dedication to serve and sacrifice for peace.
For more information or to purchase a commemorative hang tag ($40) for a flag, visit the Operation Support Our Troops America table in the Paddleboat Quarry Rental building from 9AM to 5PM daily until Nov. 12.
Every day at 5PM and 8PM, Taps will sound, rain or dry. At 8PM the Naperville Honor Guard also will perform.
No man is an island. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.
“Big Joe,” the carillon’s biggest bell weighs 5.8 tons, was installed on March 24, 2000. By April 23, 2000, all 72 bells were in place high up in Moser Tower. Donors and contributors to Moser Tower are recognized along the Riverwalk at the west end of the monument.
—PN
Editor’s Note / Special thanks to the 2025 Healing Field of Honor committee of volunteers led by Operation Support Our Troops America and the Naperville Park District, a group that met monthly this past year to collaborate bringing another field of flags to the Naperville Riverwalk.
With the combined masterful designing talents of members from Naperville Responds for Veterans and Blooming Color, the replica of the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance again stands tall and illuminated. The Naperville American Legion Post 43, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and all sponsors also are appreciated.
Note the sound of Taps at 5PM followed by the Naperville Honor Guard with Taps at 8PM, now through Nov. 12.
Thanks to everybody who takes time to pause and reflect on Veterans Day at 11AM Nov. 11.
